Cardiff Reef
Cardiff · San Diego, United States · Reef break
Local time
14:00
Sunrise
06:42
Sunset
18:39
Data source
Preview
Wave height
2.2m
Excellent · 96/100Primary swell
1.8 m
12s · W
Wind
3 km/h
Offshore · E
Sea
18.2°C
3/2 mm suit
Tide
Falling
+0.1 m · Low 17:00
Forecast integrity.
Every recommendation carries its source state, model coverage and sampling context.
Model agreement
—
Comparison unavailable
Cross-model consensus
The primary forecast remains available without a cross-model signal.
Wave spread
—
Period spread
—
Horizon
—
Marine
Deterministic preview guidance
Wind & weather
Deterministic preview guidance
Tide context
Modelled preview phase
Ocean station
Independent observation used when a suitable station is available.
Cleaner signal needed
WAIT
Hold for a fresher or better-aligned window.
Why this call.
A conservative read of forecast quality, independent observations, model spread and the exact break profile.
Best window
14:00–17:00
Epic · 2.2–2.3 m · good tide fit
Model agreement
Comparison pending
A single-model forecast is available without a cross-check.
Observed ocean
Checking nearby stations
Looking for an independent real-ocean signal.
Break profile
Spot calibrated
Cardiff Reef · <1 km model sample · 45% coverage
Higher bars mean a cleaner model signal
San Diego · Live coast intelligence
Forecast meets the real coast.
Spot intelligence.
Cardiff’s main right is forgiving when small, while very low water and a stronger winter pulse can make the south peak faster and more technical.
Profile source · Surfline Cardiff Reef guideCalibrated geometry
Faces W · 275°
Clean offshore axis E · All levels profile
Wave
Long, softer right with a faster south peak
Flat reef with sand and seagrass
Swell window
W–NW / SW
0.5–2.3 m profile range
Clean wind
E–NE offshore or calm
Applied to wind scoring
Tide window
Low to mid · size and peak dependent
Profile-aware timing
Know before you paddle
Live conditions and local advice always override this profile.
Hourly forecast
The next 48 hours
Tide intelligence
Read the water.
Tide phase, speed and range interpreted through this break's own profile, with offshore-current context and buoy verification.
Water level now
Mid · falling
+0.1 m
relative to MSL
Fast fall
-0.57 m/h
Low · 17:00
In 3 hours
2.3 m
Mesotidal
0.43 km/h
Flowing N
Spot tide profile · Adaptive
Low to mid · peak dependent
Lower water sharpens the south peak; the softer main right keeps a broader usable window.
Profile source · Surfline Cardiff Reef guideLow
28 Mon · 17:00
-1.1 m
High
28 Mon · 23:00
+1.1 m
Low
29 Tue · 05:00
-1.1 m
High
29 Tue · 12:00
+1.1 m
Tide sync windows
Best upcoming tide phases for this break
Tide fit only · waves and wind scored separately
29 Tue
07:00–09:00 · -0.3 m
29 Tue
19:00–21:00 · -0.4 m
30 Wed
07:00–09:00 · -0.6 m
Tides and currents use the Météo-France global ocean model via Open-Meteo at roughly 8 km resolution. Sea level includes tide and atmospheric effects and is referenced to global mean sea level, not a local chart datum. Coastal accuracy is limited; never use this for navigation.
7-day outlook
Pick your day.
Model: SWELLRADAR preview model
Today
2.3 m
12s · W
Excellent · 96
29 Tue
2.0 m
13s · W
Excellent · 96
30 Wed
2.3 m
11s · W
Excellent · 96
Nearby decision radar
Stay here—or move?
The break
Reef break
All levels. Works best with W–NW / SW swell.
Timing
E–NE offshore or calm
Low to mid · size and peak dependent. Re-check local observations and the lineup before you paddle out.
Data note
Fallback preview
Wave guidance, tide phase and offshore currents are modelled unless a nearby buoy observation is shown.